New trials are set for 4 polygamists

New trial dates have been set for four of eight polygamist men facing sex crimes charges.

The Mohave County Attorney's Office in Arizona said Wednesday that sentencing has been scheduled for Nov. 29 in the case against David Bateman, 49, who was convicted recently of sexual conduct with a minor and conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor.

Prosecutors say the Colorado City, Ariz., man was 44 when he had sex with a 17-year-old girl.

Over the next two months, trials will commence in Kingman, Ariz., for the remaining four men, facing similar charges. All are believed to be members of the Fundamentalist LDS Church, based in the polygamist border towns of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City.

On Dec. 5, Vergel Jessop, 46, will stand trial. Two weeks later, Dale Barlow, 48, will go on trial.

Randy Barlow, 33, will go on trial again on Jan. 3, 2007. His trial was initially postponed after the alleged victim — one of his wives — refused to testify. Police and prosecutors have told the Deseret Morning News they believe she was influenced by family members who are trying to protect FLDS leader Warren Jeffs.

On Jan. 17, Rodney Holm will stand trial in Mohave County. Holm, 40, was convicted in Utah of bigamy and unlawful sexual conduct with a 16- or 17-year-old. The ex-Hildale police officer is appealing his conviction to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Prosecutors dropped charges against Terry Barlow, 25. Donald Barlow, 50, has been acquitted. Kelly Fischer, 39, was convicted and sentenced to 45 days in jail.

Jeffs is facing criminal charges in Kingman, accusing him of arranging child bride marriages. The Mohave County Attorney's Office said it has made no decision about when Jeffs will be extradited to Arizona to face the charges.

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com